Monday, June 6, 2011

Five Years

I was tooling around today, basically living my life as usual when I looked at my phone to read a text message. The date on my screen hit me like a splash of cold water.

Five years ago today I was in Los Angeles having a great life experience. I made the trip alone and flew back home a changed person….for the better. I saw people I'd been dying to hang out with in person (the internet is great, but no replacement for face time), and met others that I bonded with instantly. Some of those people became instant parts of my life, others that I met wouldn't become dear and close to my heart for some time to come. Five years ago today was when it all started in so many ways.

So, to all of you who were there (I know some of you reading will fit the bill), I raise my glass to you. You were part of a magical experience and I hope you remember it as fondly as I do. That trip gave me many treasured gifts. It propelled me forward, made me challenge myself, inspired me and I got my first dose of the heady buzz that comes along with such connections. Not often are we lucky enough to be in a room full of like minds, great company and electric energy. I'll carry it with me forever…. the magic, the people, the feelings and the memories.

The 5 year mark crossed my mind too. Even though 6/6 now marks my wedding anniversary too, the 6/6/06 time truly was...well damn, I can't think of a strong enough adjective! It was thanks to Col. Akula spotting you in front of the hotel that I got to meet you for the first time.

I remember Warlock Krowklaws ultimately ended up feeling spoiled by the event, as it left him wanting to hang out with more fellow COS members more often. We joked that he was suffering from AEW: alien elite withdrawal. I'm glad he got to experience that whole trip to LA, though.

Yes, that chance meeting was a good one! I sure am glad you guys took pity on a lady just trying unsuccessfully to get a damn cab in L.A.

AEW is exactly what it was for me, and in the few times since then that I've had the pleasure of being around a group again, I've felt it, too. He and I spoke of that from time to time in the months after the event, as it was the only opportunity I had to meet him… and I sure am glad it happened. He was instantly adored.